Lagoon 42 Review: A Practical Catamaran for Croatia Charter

The Lagoon 42 is one of the most chartered catamarans in Croatia, and for good reason. This 12.8-metre catamaran from the world"s largest catamaran builder delivers the space, stability, and ease of handling that families and groups expect from a multihull — without the price tag of larger models. Since its launch in 2017, the Lagoon 42 has become a staple in Adriatic charter fleets from Split to Dubrovnik.

If you"re weighing catamaran options for a bareboat or skippered charter in Croatia, this Lagoon 42 review covers what matters: living space, sailing behaviour, and who this boat genuinely suits. The Lagoon 42 offers four double cabins, a flybridge helm station, and enough deck space to keep eight adults comfortable for a week. That said, it"s a lighter catamaran than its bigger siblings, and performance sailors may find it underpowered in strong winds. Here"s our honest assessment.

Key Takeaways

• Built for comfort, not speed: The Lagoon 42 prioritises living space and ease of handling over outright sailing performance. Expect 6–8 knots in 12–15 knots of true wind.
• Four cabins with genuine privacy: Each hull houses two double cabins with en-suite heads. All four cabins feel like private staterooms rather than cramped berths.
• Flybridge helm is the social centre: The elevated helm station with 360-degree visibility and seating for six creates a second living area that guests consistently prefer over the saloon.
• Strong charter value in Croatia: With 36 boats available across Croatian bases, the Lagoon 42 offers competitive weekly rates — typically 15–25% less than the Lagoon 46.
• Ideal first catamaran charter: Predictable handling, shallow draft, and simple sail plan make it a confidence-builder for sailors transitioning from monohulls or first-time bareboaters.

Overview & First Impressions

The Lagoon 42 replaced the popular Lagoon 400 S2 in 2017, and the redesign was significant. Lagoon partnered with VPLP Design — the naval architecture firm behind America"s Cup foiling multihulls — to create a hull form that improves windward performance while maintaining the brand"s trademark interior volume.

What you notice first is the vertical bow. Unlike older Lagoon designs with raked stems, the Lagoon 42 carries volume forward for better buoyancy in head seas. The hard-top bimini integrates with the coachroof, creating a protected cockpit that works equally well in blazing August sun or an unexpected rain shower.

Guests often tell us the Lagoon 42 feels bigger than its 42-foot length suggests. That"s partly the beam — at 7.7 metres, it"s wider than many monohulls that are 10 feet longer. The result is a floating apartment that happens to sail, which is precisely the point for most charter guests.

Layout & Living Space

The standard charter configuration is four cabins and four heads — two in each hull. Each cabin has a proper double berth, hanging locker, and en-suite bathroom with separate shower stall. No sharing heads with other cabins, no compromises on privacy.

The saloon is arranged with the galley forward to port, an L-shaped settee to starboard, and a forward-facing navigation station. Large sliding doors open the cockpit into the saloon, creating one continuous entertaining space that spans the full beam. In warm weather, this indoor-outdoor flow transforms the boat.

The cockpit itself seats eight comfortably around a fixed dining table. A transom gate on the port side provides direct access to the water and swim platform. Forward, a trampoline net stretches between the bows — the favourite spot for children and sun-seekers. The flybridge above adds a second living area with its own seating, table, and the helm station with excellent forward visibility.

Sailing Performance

The Lagoon 42 sails adequately rather than impressively, and that"s an honest assessment. The VPLP-designed hulls are an improvement over the previous generation, particularly when pointing upwind. In 10–15 knots of true wind, expect 6–8 knots of boat speed on a beam reach — respectable for a charter catamaran of this size.

The sail plan is deliberately simple. A mainsail on a curved track (no battens, no lazy jacks on most charter examples) and a self-tacking jib mean two people can sail the boat comfortably. The trade-off is reduced sail area relative to hull weight, which means light-air performance suffers. Below 8 knots of true wind, you"ll likely need the engines.

Twin 30 HP Yanmar diesel engines provide reliable auxiliary power. Each engine drives its own hull, giving you exceptional manoeuvrability in tight marina berths — differential thrust means you can spin the boat in its own length. Guests who"ve never docked a catamaran before are consistently surprised by how manageable it is.

The shallow 1.25-metre draft opens anchorages that deeper monohulls can"t reach. Sandy bays near the Pakleni Islands, the shallows around Kornati, and countless coves along the Dalmatian coast become accessible. This is a genuine practical advantage in Croatian waters.

Lagoon 42 Specifications

Specification	Details	What it Means for You
Length Overall	12.80 m (42 ft)	Compact enough for most Croatian marina berths; spacious interior belies the modest length.
Beam	7.70 m (25 ft 3 in)	Wide platform delivers stability, deck space, and cabin volume that monohulls simply can"t match.
Draft	1.25 m (4 ft 1 in)	Access shallow anchorages throughout the Adriatic — Pakleni Islands, Kornati bays, coastal coves.
Displacement	12,350 kg (27,227 lbs)	Moderate for class; delivers comfortable motion without excessive weight penalty.
Engines	2× Yanmar 30 HP diesel	Reliable twin-engine setup; differential thrust makes marina manoeuvring intuitive.
Fuel Capacity	2× 250 L (132 gal total)	Extended motoring range; comfortable for week-long charters without fuel anxiety.
Water Capacity	2× 200 L (106 gal total)	400 litres serves a crew of 8 for 4–5 days with normal usage; top up at marinas.
Sail Area (Upwind)	87 m² (937 sq ft)	Adequate for cruising; self-tacking jib simplifies sail handling for smaller crews.
Cabins / Heads	4 cabins / 4 heads	Every cabin has its own en-suite — no sharing, no morning queues.
CE Category	A (Ocean)	Full offshore rating; more than capable for protected Adriatic waters.
Designer / Builder	VPLP Design / Lagoon (Groupe Beneteau)	World-class naval architecture backed by the largest catamaran manufacturer globally.

Strengths

• Exceptional living space for its length: The 7.7-metre beam creates cabin and saloon volumes that rival 46-foot monohulls. Four couples share this boat for a week without ever feeling crowded. Based on feedback from last season, the indoor-outdoor cockpit flow is the feature guests mention most.
• Stable platform with minimal heel: Catamarans don"t heel like monohulls, and the Lagoon 42 is no exception. Meals stay on the table, drinks stay in glasses, and seasickness-prone guests report dramatically better experiences compared to single-hull alternatives.
• Flybridge creates a genuine second living area: The elevated helm station with wraparound seating and table becomes the social hub. Skippers enjoy 360-degree visibility while guests lounge around them. This isn"t a cramped add-on — it comfortably seats six adults.
• Simple sail handling suits mixed-ability crews: The self-tacking jib and single mainsail mean two people manage the boat while everyone else enjoys the ride. Tacking requires no winch work from crew — the jib switches sides automatically.
• Shallow draft unlocks hidden anchorages: At 1.25 metres, the Lagoon 42 accesses bays and coves that deeper boats must bypass. In the Kornati archipelago and around Vis, this translates to quieter, more secluded overnight stops.

Considerations

• Light-air performance is limited: Below 8 knots of true wind, the Lagoon 42 struggles to maintain momentum under sail alone. July flat calms in the central Adriatic will mean engine hours. Guests expecting to sail all day may need to adjust expectations during lighter wind periods.
• Bridge deck clearance can produce slapping: In short, steep chop — common in channels between islands — waves hitting the underside of the bridge deck create noise and vibration. It"s not dangerous, but it can disrupt sleep at anchor in exposed conditions. Choosing protected anchorages eliminates the issue.
• Marina berth costs are higher than monohulls: Catamarans are charged by beam, not length. The 7.7-metre beam means marina fees are typically 50–80% higher than a comparably-sized monohull. Budget accordingly, or anchor out more often — which is often the better experience anyway.
• Windward sailing angle is wider than monohulls: Catamarans can"t point as high as a well-trimmed monohull. If your itinerary involves long upwind legs, you"ll sail a longer course or motor-sail. Route planning around prevailing winds makes a significant difference.

Who Should Charter the Lagoon 42?

Ideal for:

• Families with children (ages 4–16): The stable platform, enclosed cockpit, and trampoline nets make this boat inherently child-friendly. No heeling means children move freely on deck. Parents consistently report lower anxiety levels compared to monohull charters.
• Groups of 6–8 adults prioritising comfort: Four private en-suite cabins, a cockpit that seats eight, and a flybridge for sunset drinks — the Lagoon 42 handles group dynamics better than any monohull in this price range.
• First-time catamaran charterers: If you"ve sailed monohulls and want to try a catamaran, the Lagoon 42 is a sensible entry point. It"s forgiving, well-documented, and charter companies stock it precisely because it"s manageable for intermediate sailors.

Not ideal for:

• Performance-oriented sailors: If you want to feel the boat respond to every gust and trim adjustment, the Lagoon 42 won"t satisfy. Consider a Bavaria Cruiser 46 or similar monohull for a more engaging sailing experience.
• Couples seeking intimacy: A 42-foot catamaran designed for eight people may feel oversized for two. A smaller catamaran or a well-appointed monohull often suits couples better on both cost and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lagoon 42 suitable for bareboat charter?

Yes, provided you hold a valid sailing licence (ICC or equivalent) and have some prior sailing experience. The twin engines, simple sail plan, and predictable handling make it one of the more accessible catamarans for bareboat charter. If it"s your first catamaran experience, consider booking a skipper for the first day to learn the docking technique — differential thrust is intuitive but different from monohull handling.

How does the Lagoon 42 handle in the maestral?

The afternoon maestral (northwest sea breeze) typically brings 10–18 knots in summer — ideal conditions for the Lagoon 42. The boat sails comfortably on a beam reach at 6–8 knots with minimal fuss. In stronger maestral conditions (20+ knots), reef early. The catamaran"s stability means you won"t feel overpowered, but reducing sail area maintains control and comfort.

What"s the fuel consumption like?

At cruising RPM (around 2,200), each engine burns approximately 4 litres per hour. A typical week mixing sailing and motoring uses 80–120 litres total. The combined 500-litre fuel capacity provides ample range. Fuel is available at most Croatian marinas, though prices vary — ACI marinas tend to offer competitive rates.

How does the Lagoon 42 compare to the Lagoon 46?

The Lagoon 46 offers more interior volume, a larger flybridge, and better light-air performance thanks to increased sail area. The trade-off is higher charter rates — typically 15–25% more per week. For groups of 6 or fewer, the Lagoon 42 offers better value. For groups of 8+ or anyone prioritising maximum space, the 46 justifies the premium.

Can I charter the Lagoon 42 for a one-way trip in Croatia?

One-way catamaran charters are available but less common than with monohulls, since catamaran fleets are smaller. Check with your charter company early — Split to Dubrovnik is the most popular one-way route. Expect a repositioning surcharge.

The Verdict

The Lagoon 42 delivers exactly what most charter guests want from a catamaran: space, stability, and simplicity. It won"t excite racing sailors or win any speed records, but it solves the core problem of keeping 6–8 people comfortable, entertained, and safe for a week on the Adriatic. The four en-suite cabins, flybridge living area, and shallow draft create a charter experience that monohulls struggle to match at this price point.

For families and groups planning their first catamaran charter — or returning to one that worked — the Lagoon 42 is a reliable, well-proven choice. It"s the catamaran equivalent of the Bavaria Cruiser 46: not flashy, but consistently good at its job.

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